HISTORY OF the WOMENS NCAA MARCH BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT

[adrotate group=”1″]         SELECTION SUNDAY FIRST GAME   (People ask me why I don’t write about the Women’s March Madness.  TIME ! I have 4 TVs going watching the men.  Then posting the results, no time.)  I did ask a friend if he would be willing to help with the womens tournament.  He said yes.  BUT I remebered his telling me about his Dad taking him to a PACERS game.  He told me the Pacers were playing the Jets, and he thought Reggie Miller was a good quarterback.   I decided to pass on his help.   Thanks anyway.      (No not looking for a  volunteer outside my circle). SELECTION SUNDAY WILL TELECAST ON ESPN      The NCAA women’s basketball tournament is an annual event that determines the national champion of Division I women’s college basketball in the United States.  It began in 1982, following the dissolution  of the AIAW, which had organized the women’s championship since 1972.  The NCAA tournament has grown in popularity and prestige over the years, attracting millions of fans and producing some of the most memorable moments in women’s sports history.   The tournament follows a similar format and selection process as the men’s tournament, with 68 teams competing in a single-elimination bracket. The teams are divided into four regions and seeded from 1 to 16, with the four lowest-seeded teams playing in the First Four games to advance to the first round.  The regional winners then advance to the Women’s Final Four, where the national semifinals and final are held.  The Women’s Final Four is usually scheduled on the same weekend as the men’s Final Four, but in a different host city.      The most successful team in the history of the NCAA women’s basketball tournament is Connecticut, which has won 11 titles, including four consecutive championships from 2013 to 2016.  The Huskies are coached by Geno Auriemma, who holds the record for the most wins in the tournament with 127.  Other notable coaches who have led their teams to multiple titles include Pat Summitt of Tennessee, Tara VanDerveer of Stanford, Kim Mulkey of Baylor, and Muffet McGraw of Notre Dame.      The tournament has also featured some of the greatest players in women’s basketball history, such as Cheryl Miller, Sheryl Swoopes, Lisa Leslie, Diana Taurasi, Maya Moore, Breanna Stewart, and Sabrina Ionescu.  Some of the most memorable games in the tournament include the 1991 final between Tennessee and Virginia, which went to overtime and was decided by a buzzer-beater by Dena Head; the 1994 final between North Carolina and Louisiana Tech, which was also decided by a buzzer-beater by Charlotte Smith; the 2006 final between Maryland and Duke, which went to an extra period and was won by a layup by Kristi Toliver; and the 2018 semifinal between Notre Dame and Connecticut, which was won by a last-second shot by Arike Ogunbowale.      The most recent champion of the NCAA women’s basketball tournament is LSU, which defeated Iowa 102-85 in the 2023 final in Dallas, Texas.  It was the first title for the Tigers and their coach Kim Mulkey, who had previously won three titles with Baylor.  The 2023 tournament was also notable for the historic performance of Iowa’s Caitlin Clark*, who averaged 34.2 points per game and became the first player to score 100 points in the first two round, *Iowa’s Caitlin Clark has already, (this season), set a new women’s scoring record, scoring now sits at 3,569 career points, with 15 games to go.  (At this writing). [adrotate group=”1″] Post Views: 134

2020 MARCH MADNESS PICK SHEETS , UPDATES AND OCCASIONAL OPINION

MARCH 12,2020 “Today, NCAA President Mark Emmert and the Board of Governors canceled the Division I men’s and women’s 2020 basketball tournaments, as well as all remaining winter and spring NCAA championships,” the NCAA said in a statement. “This decision is based on the evolving COVID-19 public health threat, our ability to ensure the events do not contribute to spread of the pandemic, and the impracticality of hosting such events at any time during this academic year given ongoing decisions by other entities.” This marks the first year the NCAA tournament has not been played since its inception in 1939. That year, the event featured only eight teams, and Oregon beat Ohio State to win the first championship. National Championship   ]This is where you can print your “OFFICE POOL” Bracket, Check the scores, etc. Yes I will have “MY PICKS” so you can compare your picks to mine. (And Laugh or Cry)I will have A “MASTER BRACKET”,  “WHAT IF YOU CHOSE THE HIGH PICKS”  for each game.  Yes I will have MY PICKS. .An “UPSET” will be RED on “ALL HIGH PICKS”  Bracket.  GREEN indicate HIGH SEED Win What is a seed?  Merely a starting place.  Although unlikely, IT is possible for two 16 seeds to meet in the final game.  Would lets say Michigan St  were to be seeded as a number 16.  They would still have  to win all games to be CHAMPION ! SEEDING attempts to give a more favored team an easier path to the CHAMPIONSHIP.  Seeding should lead to  the best 2 teams playing in the final game.  However there  is always that upset minded team;  or  the chance that the favored team has a bad game, a stand out player is sick or injured. To  print BRACKET:  HOVER OVER SHEET.  You will see a window at bottom with an arrow pointing down (second from right).  Click this button.  It will open a new window with the bracket then click the printer icon or go to file,  and PRINT. TO Enlarge each sheet: Hover over and select the square on the far bottom RIGHT.  To return to PAGE  Repeat. MASTER BRACKET 2020 NCAA tournament schedule and locations: DATES ROUND WATCH CITY, STATE HOST(S) FACILITY March 15 Selection Sunday 6 p.m. ET on CBS N/A CBS will broadcast the Selection Show at 6 p.m. ET N/A March 17-18 First Four March Madness Live Dayton, OH University of Dayton UD Arena March 19/21 1st/2nd Rounds March Madness Live Albany, NY Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Times Union Center March 19/21 1st/2nd Rounds March Madness Live Spokane, WA University of Idaho Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena March 19/21 1st/2nd Rounds March Madness Live St. Louis, MO Missouri Valley Conference Enterprise Center March 19/21 1st/2nd Rounds March Madness Live Tampa, FL University of South Florida Amalie Arena March 20/22 1st/2nd Rounds March Madness Live Greensboro, NC Atlantic Coast Conference Greensboro Coliseum March 20/22 1st/2nd Rounds March Madness Live Omaha, NE Creighton University CenturyLink Center Omaha March 20/22 1st/2nd Rounds March Madness Live Sacramento, CA Sacramento State University Golden 1 Center March 20/22 1st/2nd Rounds March Madness Live Cleveland, OH Mid-American Conference/Cleveland State Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse March 26/28 Midwest Regional March Madness Live Indianapolis, IN Horizon League/IUPUI Lucas Oil Stadium March 26/28 West Regional March Madness Live Los Angeles, CA Pepperdine University STAPLES Center March 27/29 South Regional March Madness Live Houston, TX University of Houston Toyota Center March 27/29 East Regional March Madness Live New York, NY St. John’s University/Big East Conference Madison Square Garden April 4/6 Final Four and title game TBS/ March Madness Live Atlanta, GA Georgia Institute of Technology MASTER BRACKET ALL HIGH PICKS   MY PICKS Post Views: 109

NCAA MARCH MADNESS 2017

You will see scores here when I am away from the computer Gonzaga 65  NORTH CAROLINA 71 North Carolina came from behind with a 9-2 run. To become your 2017 NCAA MENS BASKETBALL CHAMPIONS !! This is number 6 for the Tarheels.  And number 3 under Coach Roy Williams. Congratulations to the LADIES of South Carolina on becoming the 2017 NCAA Womens Basketball CHAMPIONS !!! The table is set. Two number One Seeds will face off tor the 2017 version of the NCCA 2017  Campionship Jump ball set to begin at 9pm (EST), Monday April 3rd, On CBS As I pointed out earlier; this will be GONZAGA’S 19th,consecutive tournament appearance. (It will be their 20th appearance counting their one and done, in 1995).  Could this be their year?  As I previously pointed out If they could score more than 62 points in that crucial  (for them), 4th game.  They would have a really good chance of winning their FIRST EVER Men’s NCAA  BASKETBAL  TITLE. I must admit the Gonzaga Bulldogs, if not considered a Cinderella team ; THEY have to be a SENTIMENTAL favorite.   Good luck to both teams.  Although I will be rooting for my sentimental favorite and SPIKES Favorite, GONZAGA.  (For those of you who didn’t  know, SPIKE is the name of Gonzaga’s mascot). North Carolina ended Oregon’s run, edging them out by a single point 77-76. Gonzaga, (a mid major college), withstood a 16-0 charge by South Carolina to eliminate South by 4 points. 77-73 Does it say anything that both finalist scored the same (77), number of points.  In their respective Semi-Final games,  Wouldn’t it be a great game if after 40 minutes the two teams were tied 77-77.  WOW! USA Today appeared a mite bias today.  I counted four headlines regarding the North Carolina game and zero regarding Gonzagas game.  If they had any I missed them. HOW about those Musketeers!  From an eleven seed to Elite Eight berth.  Of course I will still root for my TEAM, or any of its fellow conference members, as long as they last. It would be nice to see an eleven seed win it all. Gonzaga is  a sentimental favorite.  Having made the tournament EVERY year sine 1999.  Amassing 25 wins in the prior  17 year span.  Their best years were 1999 and 2015 with 3 wins advancing to to the Regional Final.  In 1999 they were ousted 67-62 by UCONN.   2015 saw the Zags Return to the regional final only to be defeated 66-62 by Duke.  Seems if they reach the Regional Final again and can score more than 62 points, They just might win their region. I really hate to add this item at this time.  But I Think it is relevant.  The Biggest Tourney the NCAA has.  is now going on.     The NCAA is trying to exert their  power of  FINANCIAL GAIN to the CITIES, and STATES.  Example is the  threat to North Carolina.  Change your STATE LAW: regarding restroom use OR…ELSE !!    No hosting of  NCAA Events.  They did this with College mascots…and got by with it.  NOW!  They are pressuring States to…  DO AS WE TELL YOU.  NOT WHAT YOUR RESIDENTS WANT.  It seems to me the NCAA has outgrown their britches and either needs to be ousted or NEW leadership that does what the organization was set up to do, and not overstep their bounds. I don’t know how to fight this.  We could boycott all NCAA events.  But that would also hurt the Schools, its Athlete, and punish the FAN BASE.  The only real answer is for the colleges,and universities to withdraw from the NCAA and set up a new organization to oversee the SPORTS, and leave it at that.  But that will never happen.  They apparently can not see where the NCAA is leading them. It appears North Carolinians have bowed to the almighty    dollar.  NCAA money apparently speaks louder than the  citizens voice.  North Carolina ceded to the GIANT  NCAA to  repeal their bathroom bill.    While I am on my stump.  There is all this talk of  “Student Athletes”  being paid to play.   THEY ARE BEING PAID, They are getting an education,  for all intents and purposes FREE.  ONE other thing I will inject here, (like it or not).  Enough of these athletes going to school, (basically free), then abandoning their education, for the big bucks of  PROFESSIONAL SPORTS.  I have no problem with them jumping for the big money they are offered.  BUT!!!  They have taken  scholarship money from students who really need it to get an education.  I PROPOSE.  Any student athlete, not completing school, (to go pro),  should REPAY the scholarship money.  OR The Professional Team/Organization, employing them should Repay the scholarship.  These Professional teams USE College/Universities as a “MINOR LEAGUE” to develop players.  Not so much Baseball, Hockey, or other sports, HOWEVER, it seems FOOTBALL, and Basketball are the big offenders of this use. As always this is just my opinion.  That Is The Way I See It. NORTHWESTERN WINS FIRST NCAA MARCH MADNESS GAME EVER.  Defeating Vanderbilt 68 to 66.  Congratulations NORTHWESTERN WELCOME TO OUR 2017 MARCH MADNESS.  I am not sure How many years we have been doing this.  I will have to look it up.  I do know all totaled I have been having this same POOL since, 1991.  Just not sure how many years I have posted on this blog.   Two years in a row I had a female player win my pool.  When I asked her method that made this result possible , her reply was, “I just pick the team with the best looking coach”.  So everybody has their own way and reasoning of picking the winner. This is where you can print your “OFFICE POOL” Bracket, Check the scores, etc. I will have these… “MASTER BRACKET”,  “What if you chose all  HIGH PICKS”  for each game.  An “UPSET BRACKET”  (if the favored team wins it will be in Green, if it is an… Continue reading NCAA MARCH MADNESS 2017

NCAA March Madness 2016

What a thrilling ending to the 2016 edition of MARCH MADNESS. North Carolina probably wishing the could have waited a couple of seconds for their final shot.  I didn’t do so well.  I DID however pick a number two seed to win (Michigan State); BUT it was a number two seed which won.  So I have to give myself  a half credit (?). It has been FUN.  I  plan to do this again next year.  Despite my troubles with CHROME.  It gave me fits in updating.  I would spend sometimes an hour updating just one bracket sheet.  Finally learned I had to clear my cache every time before I attempted to update anything. Be sure to check back regularly.  I don’t have any idea what I will write about….. NO! wait I have some idea.  Maybe some racing history. (If I can find the notes I made a couple years ago.  Also…. who knows. WELCOME TO OUR 2016 MARCH MADNESS.  I am not sure How many years we have been doing this.  I will have to look it up.   This is where you can print your “OFFICE POOL” Bracket, Check the scores, etc. I will have this “MASTER BRACKET”,  “WHAT IF YOU CHOSE THE HIGH PICKS”  for each game.  An “UPSET BRACKET”  (if the favored team wins it will be in Green, if it is an upset it will be listed in RED”.  And, Yes I will have my picks so you can compare your picks to mine. (And Laugh or Cry)  What is a seed?  Merely a starting place.  Although unlikely, IT is possible for two 16 seeds to meet in the final game.  Would lets say Michigan St  were to be seeded as a number 16.  They would still have  to win all games to be CHAMPION !    SEEDING attempts to give a more favored team an easier path to the CHAMPIONSHIP.  Seeding should lead to  the best 2 teams playing in the final game.  However there  is always that upset minded team;  or  the chance that the favored team has a bad game, a stand out player is sick or injured.  I am reminded of one year in our STATE High School WRESTLING Tournament.  The Athletic Assn.  decided to go with a draw, rather than seeding.  The Result?  Two wrestlers with one defeat each faced each other in the first match.  Loser of a first round match goes home.  It was a 3 OT match.  One of these wrestlers went home, while wrestlers with more losses during the season advanced.  The winner of this match had no competition left.  Easy wins.  He won the CHAMPIONSHIP  that first match.  Not much excitement. Reportedly there is a TEENAGE GIRL in Indiana who has only missed 3 games in this years bracket. She picked Texas over Northern Iowa.  California over Hawaii. Final game she had Syracuse over North Carolina.  Her Champion pick is……VILLANOVA. She says she does not follow Basketball regularly and has only attended a game or two at her high school.      Maybe this is proof the rest of us over think some things To  print BRACKET: Click on PRINT PDF button at top and select page with the bracket you want to print. ( If you do not see the “PRINT PDF” button.  Please go to the The Title “NCAA March Madness 2016”  and click to advance to the full post).  MASTER BRACKET ALL HIGH PICKS UPSETS MY PICKS       Post Views: 106

NCAA 2015 MARCH MADNESS

  NCAA MARCH MADNESS TOURNAMENT. Right now it appears that Kentucky will receive the overall number one seed.  Which guarantees them the easiest path to the final four. Here is where I make many of you mad.  Might just as well get it out of the way right now.  After careful consideration I predict KENTUCKY will be the first NUMBER ONE seed out.   Kentucky is a good team and appears as of now they will go undefeated in regular season.    But if you look at their schedule…..WHO have they played.  A few teams that may be in the Tournament.   But looking at their overall schedule,  it has been pretty much of a soft schedule.  In  other years it could have been a tough schedule.  But this year,  well it was a disappointment.  All teams have these years….maybe.  But it may work out for them.  While they have pretty much coasting, and other teams have been going toe to toe.   They may be the most rested team entering the Tournament. Is it possible for a team with a losing record be in the BIG DANCE?  Just ask MEAC Tournament Champion Hampton Pirates.   With a 16-17 record.  The answer is yes.   Can they wear the Glass Slipper? What is a seed?  Merely a starting place.  Although unlikely, IT is possible for two 16 seeds to meet in the final game.  Would lets say Kentucky were to be seeded as a number 16.  They would still have  to win all games to be CHAMPION ! OKAY.  so I was wrong Villanova was first number 1 out.  So That makes Kentucky 2nd Number 1 seed out. I called it right the second time!!  Kentucky was the second number 1 out.  They did play well.  But their weak regular season schedule did not prepare them for the stronger teams.  It took a last second desperation shot to overcome Notre Dame.  But Wisconsin’s tough season made them ready.   The behavior of the Kentucky “FANS” back in Kentucky I am sure did not reflect the feelings of the Wildcat Coaches and Players.  However their acts do reflect back to them, the University, and The STATE.  I still do not understand this type of childish behavior.  It does not change the outcome of the game.  Maybe “TOO Much ALCOHOL”  is an excuse.  But that would be all it was.  NOT A REASON!  Kentucky did make it a lot farther than I expected.  Hats off to Kentucky Team for not quitting.  Maybe next year (for a change) they will return with experienced players, and not have to rely on Freshmen.  Here is to next year Kentucky. Season is over.   Congratulations to DUKE.  It is hard to say one bad call changes the outcome of a game.  However a couple of bad calls and NO CALLS.  Can alter a game.  In what I saw was DUKE get more than their share the last 3 minutes of the game.  I saw them commit charges that were mis -called BLOCKS.  I saw Duke throw up there forearms to clear space.  I really think the REFS let the game get out of control.  Of course You can make the excuse that they were letting the teams play.   HOWEVER,  the Most Questionable Non Call was with about 2 minutes +/-.   It was plenty obvious the Ball went out last touched by DUKE’s Winslow I think.  I am not really good with names.   But no one can say for sure if that really made a big difference,  DOWN by 5.  It would have given the BADGERS a chance to score and cut the lead by 2 or 3, (if they scored).   This could have changed the momentum, or not.  Who can say? But it is over no going back.   I WANT TO POINT OUT THAT UNLIKE KENTUCKY,  I SAW NO BEHAVIOR ON THE PART OF EITHER TEAMS FANS.  (hope I’m not speaking too soon).   But Hats off to them for showing maturity.   Well THAT IS HOW I SEE IT. Check back for other articles throughout the year.  Maybe  some Public Service Announcements, or who knows what may strike my fancy.   Maybe a few sports articles.  but I Just have not been able to get into baseball since the strike which brought about the PED thing when they  allowed Mark McGuire to hit those home runs to generate interest in the game.  Just like the NBA let MJ get by with making his own rules to create interest in their arena.  I can’t really call them sports any more.  But will be back with our usual Football coverage.  ACTUAL / RESULTS http://fromthemiddleblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/2015-MM-Brackett-Actual.pdf ALL-High-Picks. http://fromthemiddleblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/2015-MM-Bracket-ALL-High-Picks1.pdf UPSETS http://fromthemiddleblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/2015-MM-Brackett-Upsets1.pdf MY PICKS http://fromthemiddleblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/2015-MM-Brackett-My-Picks.pdf Post Views: 118

Colts 1st Round Draft Pick Is…..

With the professional football season over, for the INDIANAPOLIS COLTS.  We have seen the end of the POLIAN ERA.  The man who guided the COLTS,  to the selection of PEYTON MANNING.  The man who the past decade  the COLTS  have built their machine.  But this year with the injured MANNING sitting OUT  the season we saw the total collapse of the Indianapolis FRANCHISE  and it was thunderous. I still think the nucleus of the team is intact; however some of that nucleus is beginning to become long in the tooth.  (OLD).  So there has to be some changes made throughout the team.  The big mistake Polian made during those earlier years, to my way of thinking, was the signing of EDGERIN JAMES.   Not that he was a terrible choice,  BUT the BEST running back for the colts would have been Wisconsin’s RON DAYNE.  It was too bad for all of professional football, when Dayne went to a team which did not like to run the ball.  And the Great Dayne, was left rusting on the shelf. But why did the Colts falter so badly.  Bill Polian and Jim Irsay, (yes he has to take some of the blame too. After all he is “THE BOSS”), failed to recognize the fact Manning, as he ages, and continues to play every snap, hurt or otherwise; could possibly miss some games.  Therefore there was no backup plan.  And who would want to be Manning’s backup?  You never get to play.  Maybe if you are lucky you might get to take 5-10 snaps a year. Now the COLTS have a new leader.  Will he be able to right the ship?  Will Mr. Irsay give him the power to do his job?  Time will tell. Now to the matter of the FIRST ROUND PICK.  With so many holes to be plugged, one must first determine, WHICH HOLE, is most needed to plug.  At first glance it would appear the QB spot is of prime importance.  Next we need to know, are  we going with MANNING, or are we going to be seeking someone to take over the reins.  Then what is our time line for the switch. I believe MANNING is a great leader, a masterful student of the game and of imparting his knowledge to his fellow teammates.  I would not want him to leave the team.  NOR, do I think he wants to leave the COLTS.  But he knows what he can and can not do. Who would you draft if you decide to go for a QB?   First you must look for the best fit for the team you have.  (You can’t replace a whole team in one year.  Oh I suppose you could if you can buy out everyone’s contract.  But that is a bit unrealistic. I feel we have three quality candidates. STANFORD’S   ANDREW LUCK.   BAYLOR’S   ROBERT GRIFFIN III.   And WISCONSIN’S   RUSSELL WILSON.  Luck, of course is the nations choice.  But is he the right man for the team.  It all depends.  What is the NEW GUARD  of the COLTS looking for.  Luck has the pedigree, but can he fit in and lead the team next year if necessary.  Will he be satisfied to sit behind Manning.  I personally don’t think so.  I don’t know the boy,  all I know about him is what the press says.  (and we all know how the press can hype a player).   Stanford is no pro team.  (maybe).  But when you move to the pro ranks it is a new game.   CAN HE HANDLE THE CHANGE. Griffin III,  winner of the Heisman Trophy, has shown his leadership skills, by leading a NON-POWER team to new heights.  Again you have the same questions as with Luck. Wilson.  We know he already has a professional contract to play baseball.  He came to a new team and did an  outstanding job of leading them in his first and only year with the BADGERS. For what it is worth this is my pick. Want someone who can come in and take over immediately?   You must opt for Russell Wilson.  If he can/or wants to opt out of his baseball contract.  For Wilson, he can play baseball for 4-5 years for little pay.  OR become an instant millionaire thru his quarterbacking skills. Want someone who is willing to follow MANNING,  and learn from the master, with gradually increasing playing time.  Then Robert Griffin III is your man. I think the COLTS need someone who can come in and take immediate charge. So there you have it.  My number one pick would be Russell Wilson (if available) because I think the Colts need someone who is ready to take charge first game of the season. Given the same conditions, as above, if Wilson is not available then I would take Andrew Luck. Wanting some one to backup Manning and learn, and get gradual increasing snap, then Robert Griffin III is your man. That Is The Way I See It. UPDATE !!!!!  January 13,  About 6 hours ago from the time I am writing this;  RUSSELL WILSON of the WISCONSIN BADGERS has announced he will forgo his baseball career with the COLORADO ROCKIES, in favor of  a career in the NFL. Post Views: 231

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